Designing Property Drainage Systems

Designing property
drainage systems
CPCPDR3021A
CPCPSN3022A
TAFE QUEENSLAND GOLD COAST

Resources required
 AS3500.2:2003 Sanitary plumbing and
drainage.
 AS3500.0:2003 Glossary of terms.
 Student resource book – Designing property
drainage systems.

Outcomes
 At the completion of this lesson students will
have a sound knowledge of the correct
procedure to install sanitary drainage
systems to AS3500.

What is a property drain?
 AS3500.0:2003 Glossary of terms
 Sewer – A conduit for the carriage of
sewerage. (page 44)
 Sewage – The waste water from the
community, including all faecal matter,
urine, household and commercial waste
water that contains human waste. (page 43)

 Sewerage system – A system that includes
all sewer and sewerage works. (page 44)
 Drain Sanitary – A line of pipes above or
below ground within the property boundary,
including all fittings and equipment
generally external to a building, intended to
convey, under gravity, sewage or trade
waste. (page 15)

 Point of connection (sewer) – The point
provided for the connection of a property
sanitary drain by the authority’s sewer.

Sewer main systems.
Boundary trap areas
What is a boundary trap?

 A trap used to aerially disconnect the house

drain from the sewer. (page 55)

 Sewer mains installed in the older parts of
Australian cities require boundary traps to
be used as the method of connection
between the property drain and the sewer.

 The purpose of a boundary trap is to
provide a water seal to prevent the flow of
sewer gasses from the authority’s
reticulated sewer main to the property
drain. The water seal of the boundary trap
acts as a barrier to the gasses

 The boundary trap must be at least 100 mm
in size and of a ‘P’ trap form with a
minimum of 50 mm of water seal. It must
be placed within the property as close as
practicable to the sewer connection point, in
an accessible position and clear of any
easement

The design of boundary traps manufactured in
PVC has been modified to facilitate passage of
TV camera’s and drain cleaning equipment
through the trap and outlet bend sections.

AS3500.2:2003 Sanitary plumbing
and drainage - contents.
 SECTION 4 DRAINAGE SYSTEM

 4.1 SCOPE OF SECTION 35
 4.2 POINT OF CONNECTION 35
 4.3 DRAINS 35
 4.4 INSPECTION SHAFTS AND BOUNDARY TRAPS 36
 4.5 REFLUX VALVES 38
 4.6 GULLIES 39
 4.7 INSPECTION OPENINGS (IO) 49
 4.8 INSPECTION CHAMBERS 51
 4.9 JUNCTIONS IN DRAINS 53
 4.10 JUMP-UPS 56
 4.11 DISCONNECTION AND SEALING 58

4.4.4 Installation of
boundary traps
 4.4.4.1 Outside buildings
 Boundary traps located outside buildings shall
be installed in accordance with the following:
 Where the point of connection is provided in a
vertical section of the sewer within the
property, a boundary trap shall not be installed
in the same trench as the sewer jumpup.
 A downstream vent complying with Clause
3.9.2.2 shall be installed at the boundary trap
riser.
 Boundary traps of materials, other than cast
iron, shall be directly supported on a solid
foundation by placing under the trap a
concrete pad that shall—
 (i) be not less than 100 mm thick; and
 (ii) extend upwards to the inlet socket of the
trap.
 The shaft shall be protected and supported
during the installation and placement of
backfilling.

4.4.4.2 Inside buildings
 Boundary traps located inside buildings and
installed above the ground or floor surface
shall be—
 protected against mechanical damage;
 located as close as practicable to and within
the boundary line; and
 supported independently of the drain.

4.4.4.3 Size
 The size of the boundary traps and risers
shall be not smaller in size than the drain
that discharges to it, or smaller than DN
100.

4.4 INSPECTION SHAFTS
AND BOUNDARY TRAPS
 4.4.1 General
 The main drain shall be provided with either
an inspection shaft in non-boundary trap
areas, or a boundary trap in boundary trap
areas, located at or near the point of
connection to the sewer.
 Inspection shafts and boundary traps
located in an area that is subject to flooding
shall comply with the requirements of the
relevant authority.
4.4.2.1 Installation
 The inspection shafts and boundary trap
risers shall comply with the following:
 (a) They shall terminate at or near ground
or surface level with a removable airtight
inspection cap of the same diameter as the
shaft or riser. In the case of boundary trap
risers a low level vent shall be installed in
accordance with Clause 3.9.2.3.
 (b) The cap shall be suitably sealed into the
shaft or riser.
 (c) Where the inspection shaft or
boundary trap riser is likely to be
damaged by vehicular traffic, the cap may
be installed below surface level. Access
shall be provided in accordance with the
following:
 (i) A heavy-duty trafficable cover shall be
installed at surface level above and
independent of the cap.
 (ii) The cover shall be suitably supported
so that no load can be transmitted onto
the shaft.
 (iii) The shaft shall be terminated just
below the underside of the cover.

4.4.2.2 Location
 The inspection shaft or boundary trap riser
shall be located—
 (a) wholly within the property served;
 (b) as close as practicable to the boundary;
 (c) clear of all authority easements;

 (d) as near as practicable to the point of
connection;
 (e) in the open air, except as provided in
Clause 4.4.2.3;
 (f) in an accessible position; and
 (g) so that the inspection cap is not covered
from view, except as allowed in Clause
4.4.2.1(c).

4.4.2.3 Alternative
locations
 Where the requirements of Clause 4.4.2.2
cannot be met, an inspection shaft and
boundary trap riser may be sited at other
locations as follows:
 (a) Under cover An inspection cap may be
installed under a roofed area. The cap shall—
 be located at floor or ground level; and
 be readily accessible for inspection, rodding
and plunging with not less than 1 m clear
space vertically above the inspection cap.
 (b) In a recess If all or part of a building is
constructed up to the boundary of the
property, and if this makes it impracticable
to site the inspection cap in the open air or
within a building under cover, the inspection
cap may be installed within a recess
constructed in the wall of the building,
providing the following requirements are
met:
 The inspection cap shall be airtight.
 The recess shall be constructed to provide a
clear space of at least 1 m above the
inspection cap.
 At least 100 mm clear space shall be
provided on each side and to the rear of the
inspection cap.
 The recess shall have a removable panel

Sewer main systems.
 Inspection shaft (boundary trap omitted)
What is an inspection shaft?

 A shaft constructed in the line of a sanitary
drain for the purpose of inspection and
future access for locating and clearing the
drain. (page 26)
 In a non-boundary trap area, the sewer
gasses from the reticulated sewer are
allowed to pass into the house drain and out
of the drainage vent. In this situation,
property drainage vents ventilate the
authority’s reticulated drain as well as the
house drain.

 On every property drain where a boundary
trap is not required by the sewerage
authority, an inspection shaft must be
placed within the property as close as
practicable to the sewer connection point, in
an accessible position and clear of any
easement. The inspection shaft is used to
check for blockages in the system and
testing purposes.
4.4.3 Installation of
inspection shafts
 4.4.3.1 General
 Inspection shafts shall be provided at the
lower downstream end of a drain in
accordance with the following:
 (a) A junction shall be installed in the
graded drain with the branch of the
junction extended vertically upwards to
the surface to form a shaft.

 (b) Where a jump-up is constructed within a
property and is not more than 3 m from the
point of connection, the jump-up shall be
extended upwards to the surface level to
form a shaft.
 (c) No branch drain or fixture discharge pipe
shall be connected to an inspection shaft
where the shaft is constructed from a
square junction installed in a graded drain.
 (d)The jump-up shall be supported by
placing a concrete footing not less than 100
mm thick under the bend, with a width of
not less than 100 mm beyond the sides of
the shaft, and extending up to the centre-
line of the drain.
 An inspection chamber with an open
channel or maintenance shaft in accordance
with AS/NZS 4999 may take the place of an
inspection shaft.
4.4.3.2 Size
 Inspection shafts shall be—
 the same size as the drain for drains up to
DN 150;
 not smaller than DN 150 for drains larger
than DN 150; or
 the same size as the jump-up where an
inspection shaft is constructed by extending
a jump-up.

What is surcharge
protection?
 Surcharge (sanitary) – Overflow from a
sewer or combined sewer caused by
overloading, or chokage. Usually used in
reference to wet weather infiltration or
inflow. (page 51)

 Authorities’ sewer mains may surcharge
(overflow) due to blockages, sewer collapse
or the infiltration of storm water into the
sewer system. This overflow can enter the
drains of all the properties connected to the
sewer in locations upstream of the
surcharge problem.

 Property drains need protection from the
effects of surcharge to ensure there is no
chance of the overflow occurring inside
buildings connected to the sewer. An
internal overflow could lead to health risk to
the occupants, and internal damage to
buildings.

Types of surcharge
protection
 Overflow relief gully (ORG)
 Overflow (relief) gully – A self cleansing
trap, provided with a suitable loosely fitted
grating located above ground surface level,
provided for the relief of any possible
surcharge and to provide a measure of
protection against overflow from a drain.
(page23)
 A disconnector gully assembly is used as an
overflow point on most drainage
installations. When used for this purpose,
the disconnector gully assembly is known as
an ‘Overflow Relief Gully’ (ORG). The gully
must be fitted with a grating that pops up to
allow unrestricted flow in the event of
surcharge.

AS3500.2:2003 Sanitary plumbing
and drainage - contents.
 SECTION 4 DRAINAGE SYSTEM

 4.1 SCOPE OF SECTION 35
 4.2 POINT OF CONNECTION 35
 4.3 DRAINS 35
 4.4 INSPECTION SHAFTS AND BOUNDARY TRAPS 36
 4.5 REFLUX VALVES 38
 4.6 GULLIES 39
 4.7 INSPECTION OPENINGS (IO) 49
 4.8 INSPECTION CHAMBERS 51
 4.9 JUNCTIONS IN DRAINS 53
 4.10 JUMP-UPS 56
 4.11 DISCONNECTION AND SEALING 58

4.6.6 Overflow relief
gullies
 4.6.6.1 General
 At least one overflow relief gully shall be
installed in the drain except as provided in
Clause 4.6.6.2. Disconnector gullies
complying with the requirements of Clauses
4.6.6.3 to 4.6.6.7 may be used as overflow
relief gullies. For multi-unit developments,
see Section 12.

4.6.6.2 Permitted
omission
 An overflow relief gully may be omitted
where —
 (a) the drain serves fixtures in a separate
toilet block or an amenities building, which
is owned or maintained by a council or
similar authority, and is located in a park or
reserve, provided that the floor of the
building is graded to fall towards an external
doorway;
 (b) the site is entirely built on and it is not
possible to locate the gully in any of the
alternative locations specified in Clause
4.6.6.5, and the fixtures on the ground
floor discharge through a reflux valve to
the sewer by gravitation; or
 (c) the lowest fixtures connected are
located on floor levels that are 3 m or
more above ground surface level at the
point of connection to the sewer.

4.6.6.3 Size
 The size of overflow relief gullies shall be
determined from the size of the largest
section of the main drain as given in Table
4.2.
TABLE 4.2
SIZE OF OVERFLOW RELIEF GULLIES
Size of main drain Size of gully outlet
100 and 150 100
>150 150
4.6.6.4 Location
 4.6.6.4 Location
 The overflow relief gully shall be located—
 (a) within the boundaries of the property;
 (b) external to the building;
 (c) so that the top of the gully is accessible
and positioned where any discharge will be
noticeable; and
 (d) with clear access for more than 2 m
above the top of the gully grate, and not be
enclosed.
4.6.6.5 Alternative
locations
 Where it is not possible to comply with
Clause 4.6.6.4, an overflow gully may be
located as follows:
 (a) Recessed within an external wall, (see
Figure 4.1(b)) provided—
 (i) the recess is not less than 300 mm
wide and 600 mm high measured above
the top of the gully riser, and shall be
watertight;

 (ii) the gully riser is fully accessible; and
 (iii) the base of the recess is graded away
from the building.

 (b) Located within a building, (see Figure
4.1(a)) provided —
 (i) the gully riser extends to floor level and
be sealed with a removable airtight cover;
 (ii) an overflow pipe of the same size as
the gully riser is installed at a grade of not
less than 1.25% and terminates in the
open air at an external wall of the building
in accordance with Clauses 4.6.6.6 and
4.6.6.7, and areas affected by flooding
comply with Clause 4.6.6.8;

 (iii) the overflow pipe is provided with a
perforated removable or hinged cover that
will not restrict discharge under surcharge
conditions; and
 (iv) fixtures or appliances are not
connected to the overflow pipe.

 NOTE: Additional gullies may be installed
—
 (a) to receive the discharge from a
domestic swimming pool;
 (b) on installations that serve multiple
residential buildings and which have
separate yards provided for each
occupancy;

 (c) where a lower building may be
affected by surcharge from a higher
building;
 (d) where a lower fixture in a building may
be affected by surcharge from higher
fixtures; or
 (e) where such gullies need not comply
with the requirements of Clause 4.6.6.6.

Height above lowest
fixture
 The grating of the gully must be installed
75mm above ground level (Clause 4.6.6.7)
to prevent the entry of stormwater to the
sewer. The grate of the gully must also be
at least 150mm below the lowest fixture in
the building. See Figure 3.

4.6.6.6 Height below lowest
fixture
 A minimum height of 150 mm shall be
maintained between the top of the overflow
gully riser and the lowest fixture connected
to the drain.
 This height shall be measured vertically
from the overflow level of the gully riser, or
from the invert level of the overflow pipe, to
the appropriate point given in Table 4.3.

4.6.6.7 Height above
surrounding ground
 The minimum height between the top of the
overflow gully riser, or the invert of the
overflow pipe, and the surrounding ground
surface level shall be 75 mm, except where
the gully riser is located in a path or a paved
area, where it shall be finished at a level so
as to prevent the ponding and ingress of
water.

TABLE 4.3
POINT OF MEASUREMENT ON FIXTURES
FOR HEIGHT
ABOVE OVERFLOW GULLY
Fixture Point of
measurement
Soil fixture with an integral trap Top surface level of the
water seal
Floor waste gully or shower Top surface level of the
grate
Soil fixture located in an outbuilding or
the Overflow rim of the
room, flow of which is graded to an
fixture
external doorway
Top surface level of the

Other fixtures
fixture outlet
 NOTE: Floor waste gullies (including those
in shower areas) that have a non-return
valve fitted to prevent backflow may be
excluded provided that the top of the gully
connected to the drain terminates at least
50 mm below such floor waste gullies.

4.6.6.8 Height in flood-
affected areas
 The top of the gully riser in flood-affected areas
shall be—
 (a) finished at a level not less than 150 mm above
the declared flood level; or
 (b) sealed with a removable watertight cover with a
vent of the same size as the gully, terminating at a
level not less than the declared flood level and in
accordance with Clause 4.6.6.6.
 Where the above requirements cannot be achieved,
no property shall gravitate to the authority’s sewer.

Reflux valve

 Reflux valve – A valve that prevents
the reversal of flow by means of a flap
or other mechanism.(page59)

 A reflux valve is a valve that is specifically
designed for sewerage installations.
It has a flap valve installed to give one-way
flow. The flap valve opens to allow sewage
to run from the property to the sewer main.
If the flow is from the main into the
property drain, as in a surcharge situation,
the valve closes to prevent the flow.

 Reflux valves are not the preferred option
for surcharge protection because they are
prone to blockages, causing maintenance
problems for the property owner. They are
only installed if an ORG cannot be used.

4.5.1 Location
 A reflux valve shall be located wholly

within the property.

4.5.2 Installation
 A reflux valve shall be installed where either
—
 (a) the minimum height of the overflow
relief gully and the lowest fixture specified
in Clause 4.6.6.6 cannot be achieved; or
 (b) a fixture is located in a basement and
discharges to a sewage ejector or wet well
and can be affected by a surcharge from a
fixture at a higher level.


4.5.3 Surcharging sewer
 Where surcharge is likely to occur and a
reflux valve is to be installed, it shall be
located in accordance with the following:
 (a) Where the drain has an inspection shaft,
the reflux valve shall be installed adjacent to
the shaft.
 (b) Where the drain has a boundary trap,
the reflux valve shall be located immediately
downstream from and adjacent to the outlet
of the boundary trap.
4.5.4 Reflux valve
chambers
 Except where a reflux valve is installed
in an accessible position within a
building (see Clause 9.13.2), or can be
fully serviced and maintained from
ground level, all reflux valves shall be
installed within a chamber complying
with Clause 4.8.

9.13.2 Reflux valves
 Reflux valves within a building shall be
installed in accordance with the following:
 (a) Where located above ground or floor
surface level, the installation shall comply
with the relevant requirements of Clause
4.5.
 (b) Where installed immediately below any
floor slab or other structure, a clear space
shall be provided above the reflux valve to
facilitate maintenance.
Ventilation of property
drains
 Property drains require ventilation for the

following reasons:
 To maintain a balance of pressure needed
to protect the water seals in drainage traps
and fixture traps from siphonage.
 To prevent large volumes of sewer gases
building up in the drainage system.
 To allow solid materials, which may stick to
the drain walls, to dry out and fall off. This
material can then be washed away with the
flow of sewage.
Main drain
 The ventilation of a drain must allow for a

continuous air flow through the main
property drain from one end to the other.
This flow does not travel in only one
direction. At times, depending on wind
direction and strength the flow may reverse
numerous times each day. The ventilation
flow must be able to leave or enter both the
downstream and upstream ends of the drain
to be effective.
Downstream ventilation
 Inspection shaft installation

 When the drain has an inspection shaft the
ventilation air can enter or leave the
property drain and pass into the reticulated
sewer without restriction. In this case the
plumber does not have to make any
provision for additional downstream
ventilation.
 The tops of Inspection Shafts need to be
finished as described in Figures 5 and 6.
Light cover.

Heavy cover
Cast iron cover
75mm clearance
Ground level
Timber extends into

undisturbed ground 100x50 Red gum,
jarrah or hardwood
bearers
Trench side
PVC pipe with
screwed access cap

Boundary trap installation
 When the drain is fitted with a boundary

trap the plumber has to provide a method of
downstream ventilation because no airflow
can pass the water seal of the trap.
 The simplest method is to fit the boundary
trap shaft with a suitable ground vent as
shown in Figure 1.
 Sometimes it is not possible to fit a ground
vent to the shaft. If the shaft is constructed
in a driveway or footpath, a ground vent
would be a nuisance and liable to be
damaged.
 Another reason ground vents cannot be
fitted to some drains is that AS3500.2 states
that the ground vent must be 3m from
openings into a building or 5 metres from an
air duct intake. This amount of separation
reduces the risk of odours entering the
building.
 If a ground vent cannot be fitted on the top
of the BT shaft a sealed access cap is
required and a protective cover must be
installed. (refer figure 5 & 6 unit notes)
Sewer main
Property boundary
House
Property drain
Garage
Driveway Garage
Garden bed
BT – Heavy cover
TAFE QUEENSLAND GOLD

COAST
Sewer main
Property boundary Drain vent.

Branch from main drain
no more than 10m from BT
Property drain. House

No fixture connection
between BT & DV
BT – Light cover Window - less than 3m from BT.

Ground vent may not be used

COAST
Upstream ventilation
 AS3500.2 Clause 3.9 requires that all

property drains be fitted with an upstream
drainage vent. This vent must be fitted
downstream of any fixture or drainage trap
connection. The unvented section of the
drain, upstream of the vent must comply
with the requirements of Clause 3.10.3.
 Clause 3.10.3 describes all the details
relating to unvented branch drains and
should be read in detail to fully understand
its requirements.
3.10.3 Maximum length
 The total length of an unvented branch drain,
including the length of the fixture discharge pipe
(see Figure 3.6), shall be no greater than the
following:
 (a) 10 m from the vented drain to the weir of the
trap, provided the length of the discharge pipe
does not include a vertical drop, between the
crown of the trap and the invert of the branch
drain exceeding—
 (i) 2 m for water closet pans with DN 80
discharge pipes;

 (ii) 1.5 m, for basins and bidets fitted with
‘S’ traps; and
 (iii) 2.5 m for all other fixtures.
 (b) 10 m to the weir of a disconnector
gully.
 (c) 10 m to a sullage dump point located
in a caravan park.

3.9 VENTING OF DRAINS
 3.9.1 General
 Vents in drains shall be provided—
 (a) at both ends of any drain that
incorporates a boundary trap;
 (b) at the upstream end on any drain not
incorporating a boundary trap;
 (c) at the upstream end of any branch drain
to which a fixture trap or floor waste gully is
connected, if the distance from the weir of
the trap to the vented drain exceeds 10 m;
 (d) at the upstream end of a branch drain
to which a gully is connected, or a sullage
dump point located in a caravan park is
connected, if the distance from the weir of
the trap to the vented drain exceeds 10
m;
 (e) at the upstream end of any DN 100
branch drain to which three or more water
closet pans are connected; and


 (f) along the line of a DN 100 vented
drain where 10 or more water closet
pans are installed in a toilet block
and are each individually connected
in accordance with Clause 3.9.3.4.

3.9.2 Location
 3.9.2.1 Upstream vent
 The upstream vent on any drain shall be
connected—
 (a) to the drain downstream of any fixture
or drainage trap connection, provided any
unvented section of drain upstream of the
vent branch connection complies with
Clause 3.10.3; or
 (b) at the vent extension of a stack located
at or near the upstream end of the drain,
provided any unvented section of drain
upstream of the stack branch connection
complies with Clause 3.10.
3.9.2.2 Downstream vent
 The downstream vent on any drain, where
required by Clause 3.9.1(a), shall be
connected within 10 m of the boundary trap
riser provided no other fixture is connected
between the boundary trap riser and the
vent connection.

3.9.2.3 Low level vent
(ground vent)
 Where a low level vent is provided in
accordance with Clause 3.9.2.2, it shall be
located so that—
 (a) the inlet of the vent is not less than 150
mm above ground level;
 (b) it terminates not less than 3 m from any
opening into a building or 5 m from any air
duct intake; and
 (c) it is not liable to be damaged or cause
injury or obstruction.

3.9.3 Size of drainage
vents
 3.9.3.1 Minimum size
 Drainage vents shall be sized in accordance
with Table 3.5, and—
 (a) the upstream vent on any main drain
shall be not less than DN 50;
 (b) the upstream vent on any branch drain
shall be not less than DN 40;
 (c)the section of drain acting as a vent shall
be not less than DN 65 (see Figure 3.5);
 (d) notwithstanding the number of fixture
units discharging to the drain, the
minimum size of any ground vent pipe
shall be DN 50; and
 (e) if an air admittance valve is used to
terminate an upstream vent, Table 6.6
shall apply.
 NOTE: Branches connected into a positive
pressure area, such as near boundary
traps in multistorey buildings, may need
additional venting.
3.9.3.2 Rating of vents
 Where two or more vents are directly
connected to a drain, these vents may take
the place of the single vent required by
Table 3.5, provided the sum of the ratings is
equal or greater than the vent rating for the
single vent.

TABLE 3.5
SIZE AND RATING OF VENTS
Size of Fixture units Vent rating
vent pipe discharging to
DN Drain
40 >1 ≤ 10 0.5
50 >10 ≤ 30 1
65 >30 ≤ 175 2
80 >175 ≤ 400 3
100 >400 _ 6
3.9.3.3 Connection of
vent to drain
 Where the minimum size of DN 65 for a
drain line exists, a minimum DN 50 vent
pipe may be connected as shown in Figure
3.5.
 Example:
 Loading in fixture units discharging to drain
= 36. Required size of drainage vent = DN
65 (rating of 2).
 Other vents on drain are two DN 50 vents,
which give a combined rating of 2.
 The two other stack or drainage vents in
combination may take the place of a single
DN 65 vent.
FIGURE 3.5 TYPICAL CONNECTION OF
VENT TO DRAIN

Vent extending from
fixture connection
DV extending
from fixture connection
GV
Main (vented) drain
BT

Vent from down stream
junction
DV extending from a branch
GV
Main (vented) drain
BT

Fixture classification
 Sanitary plumbing fixtures are classified into two

groups:
 Soil fixtures
 Soil fixtures are those whose primary purpose is
to dispose of human waste or fluids. This
includes Water Closet pans (toilets), urinals,
slophoppers, autopsy tables, bedpan washers or
sanitary napkin disposal units.
 Waste fixtures
 All other fixtures, whose primary use
produces a wastewater discharge.

Soil fixtures Waste fixtures

Definition
Fixture:
 A receptacle with necessary appurtenances
designed for a specific purpose, the use or
operation of which results in a discharge
into the sanitary plumbing and sanitary
drainage system. (page 19)

 Soil fixture
A water closet pan, urinal, slop hopper,
autopsy table, bed pan washer or sanitary
napkin disposal unit. (page 19)
 Waste fixture
Ay fixture other than a soil fixture. (page 19)

Soil fixture:
 Discharges offensive body wastes.
Waste fixture:
 Any fixture other than a soil fixture.

Examples of waste & soil
fixtures
Soil Fixtures:
 Water closet
 Urinal
 Slop hopper
 Bed pan washer
 Sanitary napkin disposal unit

Waste fixtures:
 Basin
 Bath
 Sink
 Trough
 Shower

 From a drainage design viewpoint, the
difference between the soil and waste
fixtures is that fewer methods of connection
from soil fixtures to the drain are permitted
by AS3500. Soil fixtures are not allowed to
connect to DG’s, ORG’s or floorwaste gullies.
The reason is that the discharge from soil
fixtures would allow offensive odours to
pass through the open grates of these
gullies.
Fixture traps
 All sanitary fixtures must be fitted with traps
to prevent the gases in the sewerage
system entering buildings. The gases in the
sewerage system have an offensive odour
but may also contain poisonous and
potentially explosive gas mixtures.

 Some fixtures have the trap built-in to their
design. This is known as an ‘integral’ trap.
Water closet pans are all made this way.
Some types of basins and wall-hung urinals
are also available with integral traps. All
other fixtures are fitted with threaded outlet
connections to allow the fitting and removal
of the trap.

 Example of an integral trap

 ‘P’ traps
P traps have outlets which discharge on
grade.

 ‘S’ traps
S traps have outlets which discharge
vertically.

 Both P and S traps may be used for any
fixture connection to the sanitary plumbing
system or drain. The choice of trap is
governed by the location of the connection
point that has been left for the fixture.
 The size of the fixture trap and discharge
pipe, for all fixtures, is listed in AS3500.2
Table 6.1.

6.4 TRAPPING OF FIXTURES
AND APPLIANCES
 6.4.1 General
 Each sanitary fixture and appliance shall
have a trap or self-sealing device. The trap
or selfsealing device shall be in the same
room as the fixture and/or appliance that it
serves and be accessible.

6.4.2 Water seal
 Under normal operating conditions, fixture

traps shall retain a water seal of not less
than 25 mm.
 Traps that are installed in a pressurized
chamber shall retain a water seal of not less
than 70 mm when the maximum pressure
within the chamber is applied.

6.4.3 Location of traps and self-
sealing devices
 Traps and self-sealing devices shall be
connected as close as possible to the
outlet of the fixture or appliance being
served. The maximum distance from
the outlet of a fixture to the surface of
the water seal of a trap shall be 600
mm for other fixtures except for floor
waste gullies (see Clause 4.6.7.7) and
fixture pairs (see Clause 6.4.4.2
6.4.4 Multiple outlets
 6.4.4.1 General
 The following fixtures, or a combination of
them, may be connected in pairs to a single
fixture trap provided the fixtures have
similar spill levels:
 (a) Basins.
 (b) Sinks.
 (c) Showers.
 (d) Laundry troughs.
 (e) Ablution troughs.
6.4.4.2 Distance between
outlets
 Pairs of fixtures shall be connected so that
the distance between their outlets does not
exceed 1.2 m (see Figure 6.1).

Fixture connection
methods
 The discharge pipe from fixtures in a
building must be connected to the main
drain using a suitable method.
In modern buildings unvented branch drains
are the most commonly used method to
make connections between fixture discharge
pipes and the main drain.

Unvented branch drains
 AS3500.2 Clause 3.10 and Figure 3.6 give
the details of unvented branch drain
installations and the details of fixture
connections to unvented branch drains.
 Unvented branch drains may be constructed
from DN65, 80 or 100 pipe. The size is
determined from the type of fixtures
connected and the ‘fixture unit rating’. Table
3.6 gives the details.
 Even though smaller sizes may be used
plumbers usually install the entire drain for
a domestic building in DN100 pipe. This is
cheaper and easier in most cases.

Fixture discharge pipes are usually
connected to 100 x 88o bend on the end of
the unvented branch drain. A suitable size
reducer is used to make the connection
between the discharge pipe and the bend
Reducer
0
100x88
bend
Unvented
branch
drain

 If the trap of the fixture is at a low level,
such as a bath, shower or floor waste gully
(FWG), it may be connected on grade to the
end of the unvented branch drain with an
eccentric taper fitting. These fittings are
usually known as LIT’s (short for Level
Invert Taper) by plumbers. Figure 3.1 in
AS3500 shows this type of connection.

 When DN80 or DN65 unvented branch
drains are connected to the DN100 main
drain, the size change is made with an LIT.
Whenever LIT’s are installed on grade, they
must be laid so that the tops of the pipes
are in alignment. This allows for
uninterrupted air flow along the drains. See
Figure 14.

3.10 UNVENTED BRANCH
DRAINS
 3.10.1 General
 The requirements of this Clause shall apply
to—
 (a) ground-floor connections to a vented
drain installed on grade, located below or
above the ground (see Clause 9.12); or
 (b) connections to a disconnector gully.

3.10.2 Sizing
 The size of an unvented branch drain shall
be such that the sum of the fixture unit
ratings, as given in Table 6.1, shall not
exceed the maximum loading specified in
Table 3.6.

TABLE 3.6
SIZE OF UNVENTED BRANCH
DRAINS
Size of pipe Maximum fixture unit loading
DN
65 5 fixture units
(excluding a water closet pan or
slop hopper); or 10 fixture units
from one floor waste gully
80 12 fixture units
(including not more than one water
closet pan or slop hopper)
30 fixture units
100
(including not more than two water
closet pans or 2 slop hoppers)
Fixture unit rating
 See table 6.1

 AS3500.2:2003
 (page63)

3.10.3 Maximum length
 The total length of an unvented branch drain,
including the length of the fixture discharge pipe
(see Figure 3.6), shall be no greater than the
following:
 (a) 10 m from the vented drain to the weir of the
trap, provided the length of the discharge pipe
does not include a vertical drop, between the
crown of the trap and the invert of the branch
drain exceeding—
 (i) 2 m for water closet pans with DN 80
discharge pipes;
 (ii) 1.5 m, for basins and bidets fitted with ‘S’
traps; and
 (iii) 2.5 m for all other fixtures.
 (b) 10 m to the weir of a disconnector gully.
 (c) 10 m to a sullage dump point located in
a caravan park.

3.10.4 Vertical sections
 Where the fixture discharge pipe is the
same size as the unvented branch drain to
which it connects, the drain to the trap shall
have a maximum of two vertical jump-ups,
each not exceeding 2 m in height, and
separated by not less than 300 mm of
graded pipe.

3.10.5 Connection of
fixture discharge pipes
 Where fixtures are connected to unvented
branch drains, the requirements for the
fixture discharge pipes shall be the same
configuration as for the connection of
fixtures to group vented branches and shall
comply with Clauses 7.5.7.5.4 and 7.5.7.5.5
and Figure 3.6.

Disconnector gullies
 Discharge pipes from waste fixtures (but

not from soil fixtures) and Floorwaste
Gullies (FWG’s) may connect to the main
drain through a disconnector gully (DG) on
the end of an unvented branch drain.

NOTE
 Remember that a DG may be used as an

ORG for the installation. Fixtures may be
connected to the ORG in exactly the same
way as they are connected to DG’s.
 These connections can be done in one of

two different ways:

Direct to DG
 A discharge pipe of the same size as the

fixture trap is run to the DG in accordance
with AS3500 Table 4.1. This Table gives
the maximum length (unvented) of the
discharge pipes of various fixtures, and
states that the number of bends be used
for the installation be kept to a minimum.
See Figure 15.
4.6.1 General
 Gullies may be used for one or more of the
following purposes:
 As relief in the event of sewage surcharge
(overflow relief gully).
 To provide disconnection between waste
discharges and the remainder of the
sewerage installation (disconnector gully).

4.6.2 Installation
 Gullies shall—
 (a) be of the self-cleansing type;
 (b) be supported on a concrete footing of a
thickness not less than 100 mm, with a
width not less than 100 mm beyond the
sides of the trap and extending upwards to
not less than 100 mm above the base of the
gully;

 (c) have the top of the gully riser, if of
vitrified clay or PVC-U, protected from
damage at ground level by means of a
concrete surround of a minimum width of
100 mm and a minimum depth of 100 mm
below ground level; and
 (d) have each gully riser provided with a
grating to relieve surcharge.

4.6.3 Maintenance of
water seal
 The water seal shall be permanently
maintained in the gullies by —
 (a) the discharge from a waste fixture or
floor waste gully in accordance with Table
4.1;

Table 4.1
Connection of fixtures to disconnector
gullies
Fixture Maximum unvented Fixture Maximum unvented
length of waste pipe (m) length of waste pipe (m)
Basin or bidet with DN 40 traps
and waste pipes 3.5
All other waste fixtures and
floor waste gullies with DN 50 6
or smaller waste pipes
Floor waste gullies and fixtures
with DN 65 or larger waste
pipes3.5610 10
NOTE: Bends to be kept to a

minimum TAFE QUEENSLAND GOLD COAST
 (b) the discharge from a waste stack of
not more than five floors in height;
 (c) water from a tap located over the
gully;

 (d) waste fixtures or waste stacks connected
into a gully riser, discharging below the level
of the grating and above the surface level of
the water seal (see Figure 4.1); or
 (e) the discharge from a charge pipe in

accordance with Figure 4.3 and Clause
4.6.8.

4.6.4 Prohibited
discharge
 Soil fixtures shall connect directly to the
sewer drain and not discharge over the
water seal of a gully. Surface or roofwater
shall not discharge into the sewer drain.

To DG via an unvented
branch drain
 A section of unvented drain may discharge

into a DG. Fixture discharges from waste
fixtures (but not from soil fixtures) may
connect to this unvented branch drain.
 AS 3500.2, Clause 3.11 describes these
connections.
 See Figure 16.

Discharge pipe
Unvented branch drain & fixture

discharge pipe, maximum 10m overall
DG

3.11 UNVENTED DRAINS
DISCHARGING TO GULLIES
 3.11.1 General
 Where only waste fixtures are received by a
drain, the drain may connect to a gully.
 The maximum fixture unit loading and size
of unvented branch drain shall comply with
Table 3.6.

3.11.2 Length of
unvented section
 The combined length of unvented drain and
fixture discharge pipe shall not exceed 10
m. The fixture discharge pipe shall comply
with Clauses 3.10.3 and 3.10.5. If the
combined length of the unvented drain and
fixture discharge pipe exceeds 10 m, the
branch line shall be vented in accordance
with Clause 3.9.2 or Clause 6.9.

Floor waste gullies
 Fixtures which are permitted to discharge to
the main drain via a Floorwaste Gully (FWG)
are listed in AS3500.2 Table 4.4.
 AS 3500.2:2003 (page 45)
 The outlet pipe work from the FWG may
connect to either directly to an unvented
branch drain or to a DG.

Typical floorwaste gully (FWG) assembly
Grate
4 Way riser
Floor waste gully

80 inlet – 50 outlet

 Using a FWG enables waste water from
fixtures, such as baths, basins and showers
as well as waste water spillage on floors, to
be connected at one point. All fixtures
connected must be in the same room as the
FWG. This makes the FWG a useful
alternative for fixture connections in
bathrooms and similar situations. Figures 18
& 19 show how this connection may be
made.
Shower Basin
Separate
floorwaste gully
To Drain
Bath

COAST
Basin
F.W.G.
Shower
Bath

COAST
 The maximum length of the unvented
branch drain is 10 metres to the trap weir
for DN 65 and greater pipe sizes – See
examples 1 & 4.

Example 1
Example 2
2.5 m max.
FWG
10m max. AP DN 50
10m max. FWG Example 3
DN 65 min.
DN 65 min.
DG
6m max.
FWG
Example 4
DG DN 50
Main (Vented)
Drain
FWG
10m max.
DN 65 or
larger

COAST
 However, the maximum length of a DN 50
discharge pipe from a FWG connected
directly to the drain shall be 2.5 metres and
the total length of discharge pipe and
unvented branch drain shall not exceed 10
metres – See example 1.

Example 1
Example 2
FWG
2.5 m max.
10m max. AP DN 50
DN 65 min.
DN 65 min.
DG
6m max.
FWG
Example 4
DG DN 50
Main (Vented)
Drain
FWG
10m max.
DN 65 or
TAFE QUEENSLAND GOLD larger
COAST
 A fixture discharge pipe to FWG shall be
2.5m maximum length. The discharge from
the FWG may connect to a DG via an
unvented branch drain, maximum length
10m. The maximum length of unvented
branch drain from the DG to the main
(vented) drain shall be 10metres. See
example 2.

Example 1
Example 2
FWG
2.5 m max.
10m max. AP DN 50
10m max. FWG
Example 3
DN 65 min.
DN 65 min.
DG
6m max.
FWG
Example 4
DN 50
DG
Main (Vented)
Drain
FWG
10m max.
DN 65 or
COAST
 The maximum length of a DN 50 discharge
pipe from a FWG to a D.G. shall be 6
metres. See example 3.
 The maximum length of DN 65 or larger
unvented branch drain from a FWG to a
vented drain is 10 metres. See example 4.

Example 1
Example 2
2.5 m max.
FWG
10m max. AP DN 50
DN 65 min.
DN 65 min.
DG
6m max.
FWG
Example 4
DG DN 50
Main (Vented)
Drain
FWG
10m max.
DN 65 or
COAST
4.6.7 Floor waste gullies
 4.6.7.1 General
 For the purpose of this Clause, floor waste
gullies shall be deemed as a fixture trap
(see Figure 4.2).

4.6.7.2 Permitted
discharges
 Fixtures in Table 4.4, and fixture pairs in
accordance with Clause 6.4.4, may be connected to
floor waste gullies. Except for tundish discharges,
these fixtures shall be located within the same
room as the gully.
 Basins and drinking fountains that discharge to a
floor waste gully shall have a trap installed
immediately adjacent to the outlet of the fixture.
 Where foaming is likely to cause a problem, fixtures
should not discharge through a floor waste gully.

fixtures
 Each fixture, or fixture pair, that is
connected to a floor waste gully shall be
connected by a separate waste pipe at a
grade of not less than 2.5% and with a
length not exceeding that specified in Table
4.4.

Maximum length of waste pipe, m
Waste fixture Connected to riser of floor waste gully Connected to

submerged inlet
floor waste gully
(see Figure 4.2A)
Fixture untrapped Fixture trapped Fixture trapped or

untrapped
Basin, drinking fountain Not permitted 2.5 2.5 (trapped only)
Bath, shower/bath 1.2 2.5 2.5
Bidet 1.2 2.5 Not permitted
Cleaners’ sink. 1.2 2.5 Not permitted
Clothes-washing machine 1.2 2.5 2.5
Bar sink (commercial), glass- 1.2 2.5 Not permitted

washing machine
Bar sink (domestic) 1.2 2.5 2.5
Shower 1.2 2.5 2.5
Bain-marie, sterilizer 1.2 2.5 Not permitted
Laundry and ablution trough 1.2 2.5 2.5
Refrigerated cabinet 1.2 2.5 2.5

Tundish (see Clause 4.6.7.8) 10.0 10.0 10.0
4.6.7.4 Wastepipes
discharging to floor waste
gullies (FWGs)
 Wastepipes discharging to FWGs shall not
be extended and trap vents shall not be
installed on fixture discharge pipes.

4.6.7.5 Prohibited
location
 Floor waste gullies, with the exception of
untrapped floor drains, shall not be installed
in any refrigerated coolroom, airconditioning
return air plenums or the like.

4.6.7.6 Removable grate
 Floor waste gullies shall be installed with an
accessible removable grate and a riser not
less than DN 80 at floor surface level.
Where the sole function of the floor waste
gully is to dispose of water spillage and
washdown water, a DN 50 outlet and riser
may be used.

4.6.7.7 Height of gully
riser
 The height of the gully riser shall be measured
from the top of the water seal to the floor
surface level and shall comply with the following:
 (a) For floor waste gullies with connections to the
gully riser—
 the minimum height shall comply with Table 4.5;
and
 the maximum height shall be 600 mm.
 (b) For floor waste gullies with submerged inlets,
the minimum height shall be 100 mm.

TABLE 4.5
MINIMUM HEIGHT OF FLOOR
WASTE GULLY RISERS
Waste Size of Minimum Water seal
fixtures gully riser height to floor level
connected to
gully riser 88.5 entry 45 entry
All permitted 80 200 150

waste fixtures
includind 1 100 150 100
bath

4.6.7.8 Discharges from
tundishes
 In addition to the discharges permitted in
Table 4.4, tundishes receiving discharges
from water heater drains, airconditioning
units, other condensate lines and the like,
may discharge to a floor waste gully. The
maximum length of the discharge pipe shall
not exceed 10 m (see Figure 4.3(a)).

4.6.7.9 Size of gully trap
outlet
 The minimum size of floor waste gully trap
outlets shall be as specified in Table 4.6.

TABLE 4.6
FLOOR WASTE GULLY OUTLET
SIZE
Maximum number of Minimum nominal size of
fixture units discharging outlet
into gully riser
DN
3 50
10 including the discharge
from one bath 65
>10 80

waste pipes
 Individual waste pipes connecting into a
floor waste gully shall either—
 enter the riser at an angle between 45° and
88°, as close as practicable to but above the
level of the water seal; or
 for a submerged-inlet floor waste gully,
enter the gully at an angle of 88°.

4.6.7.11 Size of waste
pipes from fixtures
 The size of waste pipes from fixtures
connecting into floor waste gullies shall be
as given in Table 6.1.
 AS3500.2:2003 (page 63)

4.6.8 Charging floor
waste gullies
 4.6.8.1 General
 (a) Where a floor waste gully is located in a
position that cannot receive a waste discharge, the
water seal shall be maintained by the following:
 (b) A charge pipe from a flushing device,
connecting at the heel or the base of the flush pipe
with a union. The charge pipe shall enter the floor
waste gully at 45°, not less than 50 mm above the
water seal and shall be silver brazed or joined by a
union to the riser (see Figure 4.3(b)).

 (c) A charge pipe from a mechanical
trap-priming device extended to floor
drain within the same room or
compartment (see Figure 4.3(c)).
 (d) A lockshield (shrouded) hose tap
installed in the same room, and with
a graded floor.

4.6.8.2 Installation
 The charge pipe shall be in the size range of
DN 6 to DN 15.
 (a) Charge pipes from flushing devices, taps
sets or hot water relief valve drains shall not
exceed 10 m in length.
 (b) Charge pipes from mechanical priming
devices shall be installed in accordance with
the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
 NOTE: The charge pipe to the floor gully
should be installed so as not to impede
access for maintenance.
Stacks
 Stacks are used to connect fixtures in multi-
storey buildings. AS3500.0, the Glossary of
Terms, describes a stack as:
 ‘any vertical pipe including offsets,
extending through more than one floor
level’.

 In a stack installation, the vertical pipework,
through which discharges flow, must extend
through ‘more than one floor level’.
 ie there must be fixture connections on two
levels (at least) for the installation to be
described as a stack.

 There are restrictions on fixture
 connections near the base of stacks.
 See AS3500.2, Figure 6.4.
 Ground floor fixtures connect directly to the
drain, outside the restricted zone.

COAST
Drainage connections for
stacks
 When a building has one or more stack
installations in its design, the person
designing and installing the drain must
make provision to connect them to the
drain.
 The AS3500.2 describes numerous systems
of stack design. Each system has particular
requirements for the connection of the
fixture discharge pipes and vents to the
stack.
 From a drainage point of view, designers
need to know that a suitably sized bend or
junction must be located on the drain in a
position to connect the stack. If the position
of the stack on the drain is within the
requirements Clause 3.10, the vent from the
top of the stack (regardless of the stack
system used) may also act as the drainage
vent.
Trade waste connections
 In industrial and commercial plumbing
installations, some types of fixture
discharges contain products that may be
harmful to the sewerage installation.

 Harmful discharges are those such as:
 Grease
 Fats
 Acid
 Solvents
 Oil
 Plaster
 Clay
 Hot water (over 380 C)
 Sand, Silt, Grit or Dirt
 Other solids
 These types of discharges require pre-
treatment between the fixture and the
connection to the property drain. Each type
of harmful discharge requires a specific type
of pre-treatment facility. Before any
drainage design is considered the Local
Authority should be consulted to discuss the
requirements for pre-treatment.
 NOTE The design of the pre-treatment

systems is a separate area of study, not
covered by this text.

Connection of fixtures in
two storey houses
 Many modern homes are designed with two
storeys. Sanitary fixtures are often located
on the upper level as well as on the ground
floor. Suitable drains must be designed to
allow the connection of all the fixtures in
these types of installations.
 It may possible to run discharge pipes from
upper level fixtures to drainage connection
points at ground level. These pipes may be
concealed, or exposed on the exterior walls.
In modern buildings designers try to conceal
pipes and other services within the building
structure whenever possible.
 Some discharges will be able to connect in
this way without the need for venting. eg a
discharge pipe from a some fixtures can run
6m (unvented) to a DG. This can be
extended to 10m if an unvented branch
drain connects the fixture to the DG.
Discharge pipes to direct connections on the
end of unvented branch drains are limited to
2.5m (unvented).
 If the maximum lengths of discharge pies
are exceeded for the type of connection
chosen, a trap vent (as per Clause 7.5.1) or
an air admittance valve (as per Clause 6.9)
will be required.

 A common way to eliminate the need for
extra vents is to use a jump-up on the drain
to bring it to the first floor level. Often a
suspended drain is installed in the space
between the ceiling and the first floor level.
Fixtures can then connect to this drain using
unvented branch drain methods as
described in Clause 3.10 and shown in
Figure 3.6 of AS3500.2.
An example of a jump-up used in a two storey house,
showing connection of fixtures on the 1st floor level to a
section of unvented branch drain.
Drain
vent
Roof
1st floor
Jump-up
1 floor level
Ground floor connections to a section

of unvented branch drain

COAST
DN100 vented drain
Gradient
 Plumbers install discharge pipes from
fixtures, and drainage pipes that run to
sewer connections on a downward slope.
This slope is described as the grade or
gradient. The gradient allows gravity to
provide the flow from the fixture outlets to
the sewer mains. The gradient can be
described as a ratio, eg 1:60 or as a
percentage, eg 1.65%.

Self-cleansing action
 The minimum specified gradients have been

selected in order to provide a self-cleansing
action for drainage installations. A self-
cleansing action ensures that all the
material, including solids and paper, are
washed away by normal fixture discharges.
The speed of the water flow provided by the
use of correct gradients provides this
capability.

 If drainage pipes are installed at less than
the minimum gradient there is a possibility
of water slowly trickling away whilst leaving
behind solid material. If enough of this solid
material accumulated blockages could
occur.

 Wherever possible, plumbers install drains
on the minimum gradient. This is to reduce
the amount of soil that has to be moved
during excavations. The minimum gradients
that may be used for drainage installations
are specified in AS3500.2 (Table 3.2).
 In rare situations where gravity flow cannot
be used, sewage pumping equipment will be
required to carry away discharges to the
sewer main. AS3500.2 (Section 10)
describes the requirements for pumped
discharges.
3.4 GRADES OF DRAINS
 3.4.1 Minimum grade
 The normal minimum grade of vented and
unvented drains shall be as given in Table
3.2.

TABLE 3.2
MINIMUM GRADES OF
DRAINS
Nominal size Minimum gradient
DN %
65 2.50
80 1.65
100 1.65
125 1.25
150 1.00
225 0.65
300 0.40
COAST
 Reduced grades
 Sometimes part of the building structure, or
another service, etc is in the way of the
drain and the minimum grade cannot be
achieved. Reduced grades as listed in
AS3500.2 (Table 3.3) may be used in
situations where the normal minimum
grades cannot be used. The Table specifies
a minimum number of fixture units that
must be connected to the drain if the
reduced grade is used. The additional flow
from the fixtures provides a flushing action
to move solids along the drain.
3.4.2 Reduced grades
 Where the minimum gradient, as specified
in Table 3.2, cannot be obtained, drains
may be laid at the reduced grades given in
Table 3.3.
 Where soil fixtures are connected, the
fixture unit loading on the drain shall be not
less than the appropriate value given in
Table 3.3. If this loading cannot be
achieved, provision shall be made for
flushing the drain.
TABLE 3.3
Minimum fixture rating for reduced grade drains of
drains

COAST
 Steep gradients
 Clause 3.4.3 states that any section drain
that is laid on a grade of more than 20%
(1:5) must have anchor blocks installed. An
anchor block is a reinforced concrete block
poured around the drain and extending into
the undisturbed soil on either side of the
trench. They must be installed at the top
and bottom of the inclined section and at
spacings of no more than 3 metres apart
along the slope. The purpose of the anchors
is to stop movement of the drain during
backfilling operations or due to settling of
the soil over time
3.4.3 Steep grades
 Where it is necessary to install a drain on a
grade between 20% and vertical, anchor
blocks shall be installed—
 (a) at the bend or junction at the top and
bottom of the inclined drain; and
 (b) at intervals not exceeding 3 m.

3.4.4 Anchor blocks
 Anchor blocks for drains up to DN 150 shall be of
reinforced concrete having two reinforcing rods of
not less than 9 mm diameter. The reinforcing rods
shall be bent to a radius that is 100 mm greater
than the outside diameter of the pipe (see Figure
3.2). Anchor blocks shall—
 (a) be not less than 150 mm in thickness;
 (b) extend across the full width and be firmly keyed
into the sides of the trench;
 (c) extend above the top of the pipe to a minimum
height of 150 mm;
 (d) extend below the base of the trench for a
minimum depth of 150 mm; and
 (e) not cover any flexible joint.
COAST
Jump-ups
 AS3500.0 (The Glossary of Terms) describes
a jump-up as a section of drain joining two
drains at different levels.
 Two different forms of jump-ups are

described:

 Vertical jump-up
 Plumbers often use vertical jump-ups
when the sewer main connection point is
deep below ground level. A vertical jump-
up is used to bring the property drain to a
higher level to minimise excavation, and to
limit the amount of trench shoring that
may need to be used.
 Vertical jump-ups are also used when a
below ground drain enters under a
building and rises to become a drain
suspended under a floor structure above
ground.

COAST
Graded jump-up
 Plumbers often use graded jump-ups when

the slope of the land would require deep
excavation to use minimum gradient.

COAST
4.10 JUMP-UPS
 Jump-ups in drains shall be constructed in
 (a) The bend at the base of the vertical
section of drain shall be supported on a
concrete footing of a thickness not less than
100 mm and extending upwards not less
than 100 mm.
 (b) Either a bend incorporating a full-size
inspection opening or a junction fitting shall
be used at the top of the vertical section of
drain (see Figure 4.7).
COAST
COAST
 (c) Branch drains shall connect to the
vertical section, using junction fittings
described in Clause 4.9 and shall be fully
supported.
 (d)The vertical section shall be protected
and supported during the installation and
placement of backfilling.

Materials
 All of the materials that may be used for the

installation of sanitary plumbing and
drainage are listed in AS3500.2.
 The standard lists the specification for the
material, any limiting conditions on the use
of the material and jointing methods.

 Plumbers choose materials for installations
based on the cost of pipe and fittings and
the ease of use. The suitability of the
material for the type of installation must be
considered in some cases. Eg, a drain for a
chemical plant installation may have
different requirements than a domestic
drain.

 Sometimes architects or engineers are
employed to design drainage installations
for industrial and commercial jobs. They
usually select and specify the materials for
these jobs

 The most commonly used material for
domestic drainage installations is
unplasticized poly vinyl chloride (UPVC)
usually referred to by plumbers as PVC. PVC
is cheap, light, easy to cut and join, has a
wide range of fittings available and is
suitable for most jobs.

Junctions
 Branches are connected to the main drain

by the use of junctions. These junctions
must be swept in the direction of flow.
AS3500.2 Clause 4.9 gives details of the
various types of junction connections that
are permitted and Figure 4.6 shows some of
the options.


Usually, in domestic plumbing, the main
drain and the branch drains are of the same
size and on the same level and gradient.
The most commonly used method to
connect these drains is to use either a 45o
junction (see Figure 26), or a 45o junction
fitted with a 45o bend (see Figure 27) if the
branch drain connection is at right angles to
the main drain.
COAST
4.9 JUNCTIONS IN
DRAINS
 Drains shall be joined at grade to each other
by means of a sweep junction or an oblique
junction fitting at an upstream angle of not
greater than 60° and shall comply with the
following:
 (a) All junctions shall be swept in the
direction of flow.
 (b) Double ‘Y’ junctions shall not be used to
make connections in a horizontal plane.
 (c) Where a jump-up in a drain is
connected to a junction on its back, the
arm of the junction shall be independently
supported.
 (d) Where unequal junctions are used, the
soffit of the branch drains shall be level
with or higher than the soffit of the pipe to
which it connects.

 (e) Where an equal junction is used to
make the connection of a branch drain the
same size as the main drain, the entry
level of the branch drain may be on grade.
 (f) Junctions installed in the vertical plane
shall not be used for the connection of
stacks.

 (g) where the junction is a swept entry
type with a throat radius of 50 mm the
invert of the branch drain shall be at least
10 mm higher than the soffit of the main
drain (see Figure 4.6).

FIGURE 4.6 TYPICAL ARRANGEMENT FOR GRADED BRANCH DRAINS
ENTERING MAIN DRAIN

COAST
4.9.2 Square junctions
 Square junctions in drains shall only be used
—
 (a) at the top of a jump-up at the point of
connection;
 (b) at the connection of an inspection shaft
to a graded drain;
 (c) at the connection of a drain to a
boundary trap riser;

 (d) where a vent is connected to a boundary
trap riser;
 (e) as the inlet riser of a gully or floor waste
gully;
 (f) as an inspection opening; or
 (g) at the top of a jump-up in a drain, in lieu
of a bend and inspection opening.

4.9.3 Junctions installed
in vertical plane
 Sweep and oblique junctions may be laid in
the vertical plane for the connection of a
single discharge pipe or a drain, provided
the vertical riser does not exceed 2 m in
height, above the invert of the main drain,
and in accordance with the following:

 (a) Branch drains connected off the
vertical riser shall be independently
supported.
 (b) Where a vertical riser is to be
extended to ground level and/or the
distance between the invert of the main
drain and the invert of the branch drain
exceeds 1 m, concrete shall be used as
follows:
 (i) For sweep junctions beneath the lower
half of each junction, to a minimum
thickness of 100 mm.
 (ii) For oblique junctions beneath the
junction, to a minimum thickness of 100
mm and continued up vertically to the
underside of the bend fitted to the
junction fitting.
Inspection openings
 Inspection openings are provided on drains

to assist during drain laying operations
(visual aligning through mirrors, inserting of
test plugs) and to provide access for
maintenance.
 AS3500.2 Clause 4.7.1.1 and Figure 4.4
provide details of the locations of inspection
openings required

4.7 INSPECTION
OPENINGS (IO)
 4.7.1 Location
 Except where inspection chambers are
provided, inspection openings for
maintenance purposes (see Figure 4.4) shall
be provided—
 (a) outside of a building, no further than 2.5
m, along each branch drain connecting one
or more water closets or slop hoppers;
 (b) at intervals of not more than 30 m, with
a minimum of one inspection opening on
each main drain;
 (c) at the connection to the network utility
operator’s sewer if not provided by the
network utility operator;
 (d) on the downstream end of the drain
where any drain passes under a building
except where waste fixtures only are
concerned;
 (e) where any new section of drain is
connected to an existing drain;
 immediately at or upstream of the upper
bend of a jump-up;
 at every change in horizontal direction of
greater than 45° ; and
 at every change in gradient greater than
45° .

COAST
4.7.2 Size
 (a) the same size as the drain for

those up to DN 150; or
 (b) not less than DN 150 for those
larger than DN 150.

4.7.3 Types
 (a) Inspection branches or square

junctions.
 (b) Inspection chambers in
accordance with Clause 4.8.
 (c) Reflux valves.

4.73 Access to inspection
openings
 Inspection openings located below paved,
concrete or floor surfaces may be extended
to surface level and be provided with an
airtight removable cap

4.7.5 Sealing
 Inspection openings and un used sockets
shall be sealed with plugs or caps fitted with
a gasket or sealing ring of an authorized
type and securely held in position by a clip
or strap, or threaded connection.
 When a plug or cap with a rubber ring or
gasket is removed, a new rubber ring or
gasket shall be fitted

Drains in trenches
 Where drains are to be laid in trenches the

requirements of AS3500.2 Section 5 need to
be followed.
 All trenching work must be done in
accordance with OH&S requirements.
Excavations over 1.5 metres deep require
precautions to be taken to ensure the safety
of workers and may require trench shoring.

Excavation
 Trenches must be wide enough to provide

100mm of clearance between the wall of the
pipe and the side of the trench. The trench
must be excavated to a depth of at least
75mm deeper than the required location of
the bottom of the pipe. This is the depth of
bedding material required under the drain.

5.2 EXCAVATION OF
TRENCHES
 5.2.1 Safety
 Excavation shall be conducted in
accordance with workplace health and
safety legislation.

5.2.2 Trench dimensions
 Trenches shall be made with a minimum
clearance of 100 mm on each side of the
drain barrel, measured to the inside of the
sheeting or side of trench. The trench width
up to the level of the top of the drain shall
be kept as narrow as practicable, but not
less than the above minimum clearance.

5.2.3 Over-excavation
 Where a trench has been excavated deeper
than necessary, the excess depth shall be
filled either with bedding material
compacted to achieve a density as near to
the original soil density as possible, or with
concrete.

5.2.4 Adjacent to the
sewer
 Excavation by a machine shall not be carried
out within 600 mm of the point of
connection to the authority’s sewer main.

5.2.5 Water-charged
ground
 Excavation in water-charged ground shall be
in accordance with the following:
 (a) Consideration shall be given to the effect
on adjacent buildings and the trench.
 (b) The water level shall be lowered below
the base of the proposed trench and
maintained at that level during excavation,
laying of the drain and backfilling of the
trench.
 (c) Dewatering shall be carried out in
 (i) Pumps and spearheads or similar
devices may be used.
 (ii) The water removed shall be
discharged into a location where it will not
cause a nuisance or damage to property
or the environment.
 (iii) The water removed shall not
discharge, either directly or indirectly, into
the sewer.
5.2.6 Shoring and
underpinning buildings
 Where the bottom of the trench is adjacent
to or below the footing and walls of any
adjoining building or structure, the footing
shall be adequately supported while the
trench is open.


3.8.2 Installation near
and under buildings
 (d) Where a drain is installed parallel to a
footing, the trench shall be located as
follows: (i) In Australia—
 (A) for single dwellings, as shown in Figure
3.4; and
 (B) for all other buildings or where the
requirements of Item (A) cannot be
achieved, the location of drains shall be as
determined by a suitably qualified
competent person.
COAST
Bedding
 Sanitary drains are usually laid on a bed of
material and surrounded by similar material
to support the pipe on an even grade and
protect it from damage. Figure 5.1 of
AS3500.2 shows a cross section of a drain
laid in a trench.
 Suitable materials for bedding, side support
and overlay include crushed rock, gravel,
screenings, or recycled materials such as
crushed concrete, bricks or roof tiles in
nominal sizes 7-10mm.
 Other options for bedding of drains are
listed in AS3500.2 Clause 5.4.
5.4 BEDDING OF DRAINS
 5.4.1 General
 The bed onto which drains are laid shall be
adequate to continuously support the
installed drain accommodating the loads
from the pipeline and surrounding ground.
Bedding of drains shall comply with the
following:
 (a) In stable soil, drains shall be directly
supported on the undisturbed base of the
trench, provided that the base of the trench
is free from any rocks or tree roots.
 (b) In loam, clay, rock, shale, gravel or
ground containing hard objects, drains
shall be supported on a bedding material
placed in the base of the trench.
 (c) Ground water or surface water
entering the trench shall not disturb the
bedding materials.

5.4.2 Bedding materials
 Filling materials used for bedding of drains
(see Figure 5.1) shall comply with one of
the following:
 (a) Crushed rock, gravel screenings or
recycled crushed concrete, roof tiles or
bricks of nominal sizes 7–10 mm.
 (b) Cement mortar containing one part of
portland cement and four parts of sand by
volume thoroughly mixed with clean water
to a workable consistency.
 (c) Cement mortar bedding shall be used
where the base of the trench is rock or
shale and where the grade is greater than
20%, and it shall—
 (i) be a minimum depth of 50 mm
measured below the barrel of the pipe;
 (ii) be not less than 75 mm wide;
 (iii) be kept clear of flexible joints; and
 (iv) have pipes supported at not greater
than 1.5 m from the centre, prior to
placing the mortar bedding.
 (d) Sand shall be free running, capable of
passing through a 2 mm mesh sieve, and
shall not contain clay, organic or any other
deleterious materials.
 NOTES:
 1 Cast iron and ductile iron pipes may be
unsupported for up to 600 mm either side of
each pipe joint.
 2 For installation of PVC-U pipe systems see
AS 2032.

5.4.3 Pipe side support
and overlay materials
 Pipe side support and pipe overlay material
shall not be inferior to the pipe bedding
material.

Concrete supports
 100mm thick concrete support pads are

used under some parts of the drain. They
provide a level of protection for the
drainage fitting they support. This support is
particularly necessary when a drain
blockage is being cleared by the use of a
plunger. Clause 5.3 explains that these pads
are located under traps, inspection risers
and bends forming risers.
5.3 CONCRETE SUPPORT
FOR DRAINS
 Concrete pads used to support drains shall
be a minimum of 100 mm thick and shall be
laid—
 (a) under gully traps and boundary traps of
material other than cast iron;
 (b) under all inspection junctions where a
riser is brought to the surface;
 (c) under all junctions and bends greater
than DN 65 forming risers from the drain;
and
 (d) not closer than 20 mm to flexible joints.
Backfill
 Trenches are backfilled after the drain is laid

to the same level as the surrounding
ground. The backfill material is usually the
same soil previously excavated. The backfill
material should contain no builders waste,
bricks, rocks etc. If the soil, which was
excavated, is unsuitable for backfilling,
appropriate material must be obtained and
used.
5.4.4 Bedding and backfill
 The sanitary drainage services shall be
surrounded with not less than 75 mm of
compacted sand, or fine-grained soil, with
no hard-edged object permitted to come in
contact with or rest against any pipe or
fitting (see Figure 5.1).
 Backfill shall be free from builder’s waste,
bricks, concrete pieces, rocks or hard matter
larger than 25 mm and no soil lumps larger
than 75 mm.
DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES
FIGURE 5.1 TYPICAL BEDDING OF DRAINS
COAST
Cover over drains
 Drains must be buried deep enough to
prevent damage to the drain, or
deformation due to vehicular loadings.
AS3500.2 Table 3.4 gives a listing of the
required cover for different materials and
different traffic types which may pass over
the drain.
 If the drain does not have sufficient cover to
meet the requirements in the Table, it can
be protected from damage by laying paving
over the top of the drain. The details are
listed in Clause 3.7.3.

3.7 DEPTH OF COVER
 3.7.1 General
 Drains shall be laid in a manner that
provides protection against mechanical
damage and deformation due to vehicular
loadings.

3.7.2 Depth of cover in
public areas and private
areas
 Drains shall be laid with a depth of cover,
measured from the top of the pipe socket or
inspection opening to the ground surface, as
specified in Table 3.4, unless the product
specific Standard specifies, or the
manufacturer recommends, a greater depth
of cover.
 Fittings that form part of a sanitary drainage
installation shall not be installed at or above
ground level.
COAST
3.7.3 Drains without
adequate cover
 Drains constructed of materials having less
than minimum cover as specified in Table
3.4, or less than the manufacturer’s
installation recommendations, shall be
covered by at least 50 mm of overlay and
then shall be paved with—
 (a) 100 mm minimum thickness of
reinforced concrete, where subject to heavy
vehicular loading;
 (b) 75 mm minimum thickness of brick or
concrete paving, where subject to light
vehicular traffic; and
 (c) 50 mm minimum thickness of brick or
concrete paving, where not subject to
vehicular traffic.
 The paving shall extend the full width of the
trench.
 NOTE: Also refer to the manufacturer’s
recommendation.

Drains under buildings
 Drains may be laid under buildings with less

cover than specified in Table 3.4. If the
drain is under a concrete slab only 25mm of
clearance is required from the top of the
pipe to the bottom of the slab.
 Drains can pass under or through footings
of concrete slabs or below ground walls as
per Clause 3.8.2.

3.7.4 Drains under buildings
 Drains below ground and under buildings
may be laid with less than the minimum
cover specified in Table 3.4, provided that—
 (a) 25 mm of overlay separates the drain
from a reinforced concrete slab; or
 (b) the drain is adequately protected from
mechanical damage.

Proximity of other services
 Clause 3.6 details the amount of separation

and other requirements that must be
provided around drains laid near
underground services such as gas, water,
communication and electrical installations.

3.6 PROXIMITY TO
OTHER SERVICES
 3.6.1 General
 Where electrical conduit, wire, cable or
consumer gas pipes, drains and other
services are in existence, pipes shall be
installed in accordance with the
requirements of Clause 3.6.2 to 3.6.8.

3.6.2 Separation from above ground
electrical conduit, wire, cable, consumer
gas or water pipes
 The separation shall be at least 100 mm

between any discharge pipes and any above
ground—
 (a) electrical conduit;
 (b) electrical wire or cable;
 (c) consumer gas pipes; or
 (d) water services.

3.6.3 Separation from underground
electrical supply cables or consumer gas
pipes
 (a) The separation between any
underground drain and an electrical
supply cable shall be at least—
 (i) 100 mm, provided the electrical supply
cable is indicated along its length with
orange marker tape complying with
AS/NZS 2648.1 and is mechanically
protected; or
 (ii) 600 mm where the electrical supply
cable is neither indicated nor protected.
 (ii) 600 mm where the consumer gas pipe is
neither indicated nor mechanically
protected.
 NOTES:
 1 Mechanical protection is provided by any
of the following: concrete slabs, continuous
concrete pour, bricks designed for
protecting electrical supply cables.
 18 AS/NZS 3500.2:2003COPYRIGHT
 2 For clearance from a communication
cable, see Clause 3.6.4.

3.6.4 Separation from
underground electrical
earthing electrode
 The separation between any underground
drain and an electrical earthing electrode,
for an electrical supply not exceeding 1000
V, shall be at least 500 mm. For an electrical
supply exceeding 1000 V, the relevant
regulatory authority shall be contacted for a
ruling.

3.6.5 Separation from
underground
communication cable
 The separation between any underground
drain and a communication cable shall be at
least 100 mm.

3.6.6 Separation from other
underground services
 The separation between any
underground drain and any other
service other than consumer gas
piping, electrical communication
service or water service shall be at
least 100 mm or 300 mm from a
stormwater drain exceeding DN 100
(see Figure 3.3).

DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES
FIGURE 3.3 TYPICAL SHARED TRENCH
COAST
3.6.7 Crossover of
underground services
 Any underground drain crossing a service or
any underground service crossing a drain
shall—
 (a) cross at an angle of not less than 45°;
 (b) have a vertical separation of not less
than 100 mm; and
 (c) be marked along its length for 1 m either
side of the centre-line of the service with
marker tape complying with AS/NZS 2648.1
laid 150 mm above the installed service.

3.6.8 Clearance from
underground obstructions
 Drains shall be installed with sufficient
clearance to any underground obstruction to
protect the drain from physical damage and
to permit repairs. The clearance shall be at
least 100 mm.
 NOTE: For drains in proximity to footings
and foundations, see Clause 3.8.

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Designing property

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Boundary trap areas

What is a boundary trap?

 A trap used to aerially disconnect the house

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 SECTION 4 DRAINAGE SYSTEM

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What is an inspection shaft?

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 SECTION 4 DRAINAGE SYSTEM

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Top surface level of the

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 AS3500.0:2003 Glossary of terms

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 A reflux valve shall be located wholly

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 Property drains require ventilation for the

 The ventilation of a drain must allow for a

 Inspection shaft installation

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Cast iron cover

Timber extends into

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